In an unexpected event last winter, an intruder was able to penetrate the public broadcast network of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and display something that left viewers in astonishment: A repetitive video montage created using artificial intelligence, displaying Donald Trump in a compromising position with Elon Musk. The footage carried a distinct declaration: ‘Hail the True Monarch.’ This incident was noticed nationwide, however, this was not the only platform where the peculiar video was showcased.
A 52-year-old resident of San Jose, California, has been taking a stand by showcasing this footage on the facades of buildings around busy crossroads. The choice of this particular form of display is purposeful, chosen for its non-destructive nature, its temporary quality, and potential to strike a dissonant chord with the President. As of now, public response has been varied.
The spectacle of Trump and Musk in such an unusual video is not the only one of its kind. This variety of surreal scenarios involving the two are spreading across platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and various fan-fiction websites. The creators of such content range from conscientious activists to individuals who are merely exasperated with the current political scenario and utilize humor as a form of expression.
While these narratives may come off as absurd to many, they form a mode of political dissent that traces its roots back to antiquity. These unconventional narratives, often featuring authority figures in compromising or degrading scenes, historically led to a genuine erosion of power for entities such as the monarchy and religious bodies.
History demonstrates that erotic illustrations that intended to ridicule the relationship between figures such as Adolph Hitler and Josef Stalin came up as an analogous form of defiance against fascism. This modern rendition of Trump and Musk showcased in erotic absurdities serves a similar counter narrative. A professor interprets the current trend as an era of political system delegitimizing.
Animated videos of a similar, explicitly erotic nature are blossoming on TikTok in protest against the prevalent political regime. These clips feature a range of scenarios, from Musk caressing a ‘pregnant’ Trump’s abdomen to the two tying the knot and driving into the sunset in a Cybertruck, to even performing a romantic waltz together.
Dave Wicks, an individual who administers a satirical TikTok account with the intent of mocking Trump and Musk, designs these videos using Musk’s original AI video production tool. In these digital creations, Musk is usually depicted in a fittingly ludicrous pink tutu and complementary skin-hugging top.
Eccentric portrayals of Trump and Musk in the world of erotic fan-fiction aim at the same objective. The humor doesn’t stem from their ‘homosexual’ framing, but from their depiction in a situation that they dread the most. This strategy serves as a method of satirizing their public personas.
Elsewhere, on the site Archive of Our Own, fictional narratives involving Trump-Musk romantic relationships are crafted predominantly by young female and teenage authors. These writers often feel helpless and frustrated with the political administration and its decisions.
Despite their fictional nature, many of these narratives are rooted in the angst towards the political situation, providing an unconventional medium for political dissent and discourse. This blend of the absurd with political critique speaks to a sense of dissatisfaction that is often otherwise difficult to express.